You comparing me not being afraid enough to feel the need to carry a gun, to you using a fire extinguisher, only shows the lenghts you are willing to go through to "win" discussions on the internet. I'm guessing here, but using the word "fear" is what you are uncomfortable with, and I can understand that. That's why You should use the words that You feel comfortable with.
If your story had gone something like this: "When their truck started to burn, I pulled out my (weapon of you choice), did a HUGE Mocambique-drill on the fire, probably the best Mocambique-drill in history. The flames immediately surrendered, and I saved the family..." I would right away have seen the light.